Intrathecal Vincristine: Fatal Myeloencephalopathy Despite Cerebrospinal Fluid Perfusion

Abstract

Background: Vincristine, an antineoplastic agent, must never be injected intrathecally because of its devastating neurotoxic effects, which are usually fatal. We report a case of fatal myeloencephalopathy secondary to inadvertent intrathecal administration of vincristine. Case Report: Intrathecal vincristine was inadvertently injected into a twelve-year-old girl with acute lymphocytic leukemia. The error was immediately recognized and treated with cerebrospinal fluid drainage and cerebrospinal fluid exchange. Clinical evolution during the 83 days until death is described. Multiple samples of cerebrospinal fluid were assayed for vincristine sulfate. Neuropathological post-mortem changes in the brain and spinal cord are reported. Conclusion: We compare our case with other previously reported cases in which patient survival was achieved with the same treatment. We summarize preventive measures to avoid such unfortunate occurrences.

Keywords :

• Intrathecal vincristine
• Ascending myeloencephalopathy
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Iatrogenic disease